The White House - Polnut Administration

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be making a speech later tonight in Las Vegas, Nevada in which he will outline an ambitious change in the nation's tax system.

Full details of the proposal will be outlined tomorrow morning.

[Secretary Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

The President's Remarks to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Dinner

Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, Las Vegas



Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for inviting me here to speak with you this evening.

Given that I have only a short time left as president, I want to make sure that you all know that one thing you haven’t got, is a lame-duck president.

I intend to keep working every single day until I see my successor take the oath of office.

In that spirit, I am announcing one of the most ambitious reforms our economy has ever seen.

If there has been one complaint I have held for a long time about our national finances it is the tiered system of income taxation.

With each region being able to impose its own income tax, it creates disparities and false economies based on the ideological bent or whim of the regions.

Therefore I am today announcing that it will be the policy of my administration to see the abolition of regional income taxation.

Now, regional governments will still need to be funded to do their work, I am not interested in further centralisation of power in Nyman. Regional governments have important roles to play and they need to be able to do their work with maximum benefits for their communities.

This is also not an issue of the abolition of taxation, so the right can stop jumping for joy and the left can stand down from the ledge; this is just a simplifying of a system which I do not think works well. I will convene a meeting of all regional governors within the next week to discuss alternatives.

There are, however, certain conditions that I will apply to alternatives.
•   The Federal Government will not increase its income tax share from either individuals or business
•   The administration of any future finance system will fit within existing bureaucracies
•   There needs to be a uniformity across the regions to ensure a fairer system than currently exists

I cannot and would not seek to impose this on Atlasia, this is an important reform that will require wide-support. I will work with the regional Governors and the Federal Senators to get this done. I know this might not be done within my term, but this is a reform that I believe needs to happen it will simplify our national finances and will lessen the burden of income taxation on many who can least afford it.

This is a golden opportunity for this country to unite and reform our national economy. Yes, we are regions that have separate interests but we are also one nation, with interconnected economies and therefore, an interconnected future.

Finally, I want to thank you for your support during my presidency. It can be a very lonely job, but knowing that the people you serve have your back makes it so much easier. The warmth of the Atlasian people is something I will certainly miss, but I made the decision to not stay on because you deserve an active and available president.

Thank you all.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has accepted the resignation of the Game Moderator.

He is disappointed by these turn of events, Marokai has done an extraordinary job.

As to a successor, the President will be considering options.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President made a brief statement on his arrival on Martha's Vineyard late on Friday night.

"What is clear is that there is a massive problem with our system of Government.

What we are dealing with here goes beyond mere political rivalries. It is small, it is petty and too often it is personal when it is the last thing necessary or helpful.

There are huge problems to solve, and even though I hate stealing lines from movies, we need serious people who want to solve them. We cannot keep chasing talented people away from Atlasia.

But I understand the desire to leave, it's a tough position to be in. By not standing for the presidency again, I feel in many ways that I have let my country down at a time when perhaps I should be there."

[President Marokai]

Please don't feel as if you've failed anyone, Polnut. You've been the Atlasian equivalent of the little Dutch boy desperately trying to hold up the dyke. It's a shame the environment is what it is, but don't feel as if you're responsible. I certainly don't blame you for it, and I'm sure most others wouldn't either.

Thanks for the confidence you had in me during my time as Game Moderator.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has issued the following statement.

"I know that for a lot of us, there is a very nasty energy in Atlasia today. But, this country has seen far worse, one could say that for people to be devoting so much energy, however unproductive, shows that there is some purpose.

I want the Atlasian people to know that they have a president who is committed to serving the Atlasian people in the spirit of my oath of office, 'to the best of my ability'.

One reason why I decided to switch my party registration to Independent, was not as a slap in the face of the JCP, but as a sign that I believe in this environment, considering this is my final act in Atlasian politics, I need to serve unbound by party ties and focused on doing the job."

[Secretary Polnut]

LEGISLATIVE REQUEST

The President is requesting a Senator sponsor this Bill.

The Atlasian Anti-bullying Bill 2011

Each regional government will be eligible for matching funding of up to $30million for programs directed at reducing bullying, youth suicide prevention and community and educator training.

The funding must be expended at the same time as any federal funding and cannot be added to regional Budgets.

The funding will be granted on application, and will be fully acquitted. Any funds given under the auspices of this Bill that are misdirected will need to be repaid plus an additional 60% fine.


 

[Bacon King]

Apologies that I've been largely inactive for the past week- midterms were a bit overwhelming. Back now though.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Air Force One has just landed in Benghazi, Libya where the President will meet with Mustafa Abdul Jalil, Chairman of the National Transitional Council.

They will discuss the future plans for Libya to transition to a functional democracy, and how Atlasia's aid will be directed.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

Air Force One has departed Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli.

The meeting between the President and Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil was positive and productive.

It is estimated the President will arrive in Paris in a couple of hours for a meeting with President Sarkozy tomorrow morning before arriving back in Nyman late Sunday evening.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President will be addressing the International HIV prevention symposium in New York City tomorrow.

His address will cover his own views on HIV prevention, as well as the announcement of a new national and international HIV prevention initiative.

[Proud Lieberal from Northeast]

They will discuss the future plans for Libya to transition to a functional democracy, and how Atlasia's aid will be directed.

And I just saw a flying pig!

[Secretary Polnut]

They will discuss the future plans for Libya to transition to a functional democracy, and how Atlasia's aid will be directed.

And I just saw a flying pig!

Note 'future plans' ... could be tomorrow, could be 67 years from now.

[Secretary Polnut]

[

PRESS RELEASE

The President has today nominated Marokai to serve as Attorney General for the reminder of his administration.

Given his experience in the role, and attention to detail, the President hopes for a speedy confirmation.

[Cincinnatus]

TPP - Mr. President.  Should we expect a lawsuit against any remaining rebels, as well as the IDS? 

[Secretary Polnut]

TPP - Mr. President.  Should we expect a lawsuit against any remaining rebels, as well as the IDS? 

I still have a couple of weeks to have some fun with this job

[President Marokai]

Yep, Marokai Blue to the rescue.

[President Marokai]

Yep, Marokai Blue to the rescue.

Whenever people feel like opening a confirmation thread.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has decided to travel from Nyman to Boston following his successor's inauguration by train, instead of flying.

It will be an opportunity for the President to show his commitment to rail and show the benefits of serious investments in rail infrastructure.

The special train will leave Nyman and stop in Philadelphia, New York City, New Haven and Providence on the way to a formal 'Welcome Home' reception in Boston.

SCHEDULE - 4 November 2011
1.00pm Departs Union Station, Nyman
2:32pm Arrives 30th St Station Philadelphia
2:40 - 3:00pm - Ceremonial greeting, 30th St Station
3:10pm Departs 30th St Station Philadelphia
4:39pm Arrives - Penn Station, New York City
4:45 - 5:20pm - Ceremonial Greeting, Madison Square Gardens
5:30pm Departs Penn Station, New York City
6:55pm Arrives Union Station, New Haven, Connecticut
7:00 - 7:15 - Ceremonial greeting, Union Station, New Haven
7:20pm Departs New Haven
9:05pm Arrives Providence Railway Station
9:10 - 9:25pm - Ceremonial greeting, outside Providence Railway Station
9:30pm - Departs Providence
10:15pm - Arrives Back Bay Station, Boston
10:17 - 10:24pm - Motorcade to Boston Common
10:30pm - Formal Welcome Home

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

President Polnut has determined that he will not be making an endorsement for president. While he understands this may cause some surprise from some campaigns, he wishes to remain politically neutral up until he casts his vote.

He made this statement earlier this evening.

...this will be one of the most difficult decisions I've made in my voting life in Atlasia. I'm sure I'm not the only one who remains unsure at this point.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

President Polnut has tonight signed the Right to Treatment Bill before the Senate.

The President undertook a series of consultations as the issues around the Bill's constitutionality. He respects and understands the concerns raised by many on this Bill.

He believes that the Senate does have an explicit right to make determinations in relation to public health.

The Senate however, must be respectful of the rights of the regions to make laws within their own borders, when the Constitutions has enumerated those rights to the regions. This Bill comes VERY close to going over the line, but did not fully cross it.


President Polnut has also tonight, vetoed the Environment and Conservation Protection Bill.

This is a case where the constitutionality question has cause me much greater concern.

I agreed with the interpretation offered by Senators Napoleon and Snowguy of Article 1, Section 5, Clause 1 up to a point. Were the Bill related to a specific case or piece of land, and a clear reason made for the Bill, I would have signed this Bill. However, the Bill is a blanket one which would undermine regional rights to an extent I believe would be unconstitutional.

I respect the Senate's intent behind this Bill, and in fact, support it. But whether or not I support the Bill's intent, is immaterial. I do have a broader responsibility to my oath of office.

Although, I believe this Bill will likely pass at a later date, under a different administration. Had the Bill be more focused and targeted, then I would have happily signed it.

[Secretary Polnut]

TRANSCRIPT

President Polnut's comments on Libya

Today is an opportunity for the Libyan people to unite and move together to a new future.

I am not here to celebrate the death of Gadhafi, nor should this be the key element of today. While his end truly marks the end of this chapter, it is what this moment represents for Libya that is what really matters.

I always stressed that this fight in the final analysis was one for the Libyan people. While the NTC received support from Atlasia and around the world, and we are proud of our young men and women who served roles from active fighting in the early days, to serving as peacekeepers in Benghazi until a month ago, again the final blow needed to be struck by the Libyan people.

I pledge the support of the Atlasian Government, and re-iterate my comments from my visit to Libya a couple of weeks ago.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President issued the following statement on his vote this evening.

I wanted to clarify my position, following my public vote that did not first preference the JCP presidential ticket. The fact that it took me two days to vote, was that it took me two days to make the decision.

Senator Snowguy is a long-term ally and friend in Atlasia, and Bacon King has been a good partner as my Vice President. However, I admit not sensing a hunger for the office. I believe he would be a good president, frankly, I expect him to win. In fact the main problem with this election is three candidates that would make excellent presidents.

I'm no longer interested in party differences, what it comes down to now for me, is the role of president in the current environment.

I believe the Senator Duke is the one candidate who would reflect my personal view of the presidency. But at the same time Senator Snowguy is a person who has always supported me, so this was a deeply difficult decision. So, I did toss a coin.

I wish no ill-will at all and wish every candidate nothing but the best, and I will be there to assist the president-elect at any time during the transition.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

The President has contacted Senator Snowguy and Vice President Bacon King and congratulated them on their victory in the election.

He wishes them both every success, as well as his support during the transition.

[Secretary Polnut]

PRESS RELEASE

THE FINAL WEEK OF THE POLNUT PRESIDENCY

The Regional Tour

The President will be making a stop in each region over the coming days, he wants to take the opportunity to thank the Atlasian people for their support.

SCHEDULE

Thursday 27 October - Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO
Friday 28 October - San Francisco, CA
Saturday 29 October - Chicago, IL and Pittsburgh, PA

Farewell Address

As is traditional the President will be making a farewell address to the nation. While the venue is yet to be determined, it will not be an Oval Office Address.

The address will take place at 9pm EST on Wednesday 2 November.